US AMBASSADOR CALLS ON MINISTER HENRY

US Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson (left) seems fascinated with the gift with which she was presented. Looking on is Mrs. Elsa-May Binns, Senior Director, Policy Planning and Evaluation..

US Ambassador, Brenda LaGrange Johnson paid a courtesy call on Minister Mike Henry on Wednesday, January 9 at his Maxfield Avenue Office.

Both the Minister and the Ambassador used the opportunity to discuss various issues of importance affecting the two states. Among them were air travel inclusive of the 'Open Skies Agreement'; infrastructural matters including Segment 2A of the North Coast Highway Improvement Project and the expansion of the Maritime industry among others.

In respect of the maritime industry, the Caribbean Maritime Industry came in for special attention. It was against that background that the possibility of procuring a training boat from the US government was suggested to the Ambassador. The Ambassador said she was very interested in the proposal and would discuss the idea with officials from her government. The Minister for his part said he was very heartened by the Ambassador's response as the vessel would go a far way in assisting students with the practical aspect of their training. He also noted that sixth formers at high schools could benefit from demonstrations using the vessel, this with a view to encouraging them on a career path in the maritime sector. The Ambassador was also invited to tour the CMI facility whenever she found it possible.

Other matters discussed included rehabilitation of the railway, the expansion of the Ship Registry and the building of a Waste Receptor Facility in the Kingston Harbour.

The Ambassador commended the Minister for the 'tremendous work' he had engaged in since his relatively short time in Office. She also noted that despite the many challenges facing the country, Jamaica had grown by 'leaps and bounds'.